Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA has continued its tradition of celebrating the industry’s high achievers, brightest stars, future talent and leading workforce initiatives.
AREEA is pleased to announce the leading organisations and individuals of 2020 have been recognised and celebrated as AREEA Industry Award winners.
Across four categories covering key workforce-related areas of the industry, the AREEA Industry Awards celebrate leadership, innovation, diversity and excellence in the sector.
While unable to present the Industry Awards at our annual ceremony and gala dinner this year, AREEA nonetheless has continued its tradition of celebrating ‘people related’ excellence within the industry.
Over the past four weeks, winners were announced and celebrated through an innovative online campaign complete with podcasts, in-depth stories and live video reactions.
Congratulations to the four 2020 AREEA Industry Award winners.
Click each “Winner Announced” icon below to read the full story, listen to the in-depth podcast and re-live the video award announcement for each winner.
Future Leader – Ryan Cobb (Woodside Energy)
Judges were impressed with Ryan’s range of accomplishments, displaying leadership traits beyond his years.
Not only has he become Australia’s first Indigenous master mariner, he is also a passionate role model and mentor who is heavily involved in working with young Indigenous people, encouraging them to strive for a career in the marine industry.
As a Marine Operations Adviser with Woodside Energy, Ryan can command any ship of any size in any ocean in the world. He is now using his experience and journey to inspire others to explore the rewarding career opportunities in the sector.
Diversity and Inclusion – Thiess
Thiess was awarded for developing Allies, the company’s first LGBTIQA+ network in Australia and Chile. Allies created a workplace network advocating and facilitating a culture of inclusion and respect, regardless of sex, sexuality, gender and expression.
Judges were impressed with how the network was successful in creating awareness and its understanding of diversity and inclusion matters, and for challenging bias, stereotypes and intolerance. Allies was created to align with Thiess’ endorsed diversity and inclusion strategy, with judges also commending how it was employee-led and backed by the executive leadership.
Workforce and Workplace Relations Innovation – New Hope Group 
New Hope Group has been recognised for its “Finishing Well” program, which has innovated the way mine closures are managed.
When the company was presented with one of its most challenging periods as its Jeebropilly Mine reached end of life in late 2019, New Hope Group was determined to ensure it was a positive phase for all stakeholders.
The company implemented a plan that would not only be embraced by its workforce but set them on the path for success once the mine closed. Its unified path towards mine closure was guided by “Finishing Well”, tailored specifically to balance the needs of the business and its people, while addressing some of the greatest identified risks in staff retention and culture.
Mental Health & Wellbeing – Northern Star Resources
Northern Star has been recognised for contemporising mental health, by reducing stigma and uniting its people through a range of programs including mental health first aid, resulting in increased workplace conversations and story-sharing.
The gold miner’s range of initiatives have made a positive impact on its workplaces and employees, with the company rising to the challenge of proactively prioritising sustainable long-term outcomes. Supported by a suite of programs and initiatives, Northern Star has normalised mental health by reducing stigma and uniting its people.
Its multi-layered approach was led by its flagship Mental Health First Aid Program, which has seen more than 300 employees becoming internationally accredited Mental Health First Aiders.
